Vitamin D in periodontology

Abstract

Generalized periodontitis is one of the most common dental diseases that can lead to tooth mobility and tooth loss. Plaque is main etiological factor, but periodontitis is a multifactorial disease. There are data on the effect of vitamin D levels on generalized periodontitis. Vitamin D has a pleiotropic effect by affecting various links in the pathogenesis of generalized periodontitis. Stimulating the secretion of antimicrobial peptides, vitamin D increases local immunity and adversely affects periodontal pathogens; modulating the immune system, it affects inflammation in periodontal tissues and the immune response; increasing the absorption of calcium and reducing the release of parathyroid hormone, vitamin D stimulates bone mineralization. The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency worldwide indicates the relevance of studying its effects on the human body in general and the oral cavity in particular.